Mr Johnson was in a meeting with Coventry University sabbatical officers trying to win over students to the new proposals, when he said: "A £3,000 fee would put off poorer students, I can relate to that."

Ade Bradley, campaigns officer for the West Midlands NUS, said: "The minister confirmed what students have been saying for months now, that introducing top-up fees will limit university education to those that can afford to pay."

Julian Nicholds, president of Coventry University student union, added: "It is clear that introducing topup fees will stop poorer students from coming to university. This is why we must continue to fight the government on this issue."

Students from all over the West Midlands were taking part in a national lobby on the issue today.